Use of Low-dose Gamma Radiation to Promote the Germination and Early Development in Seeds

Abstract

The study of the effect of low doses of ionizing radiation on the germination and initial growth of different seeds is a recent area of research, with gamma rays and X-rays receiving the most attention. The use of this type of energy can generate an increase in germination percentages, an increase in germination speed, and changes in the length and area of roots and shoots, which will depend both on intrinsic factors of the nature of the energy (dose, dose rate, energy, etc.) as well as aspects of the irradiated seeds (water content, sensitivity, etc.). In addition to morphological effects, radio-stimulation due to low doses of ionizing radiation (a phenomenon also described as radio-hormesis) generates changes at physiological, biochemical, metabolic, and molecular levels. Despite the evidence that has been accumulating, it is still necessary to deepen the knowledge about these phenomena in order to establish the use of ionizing radiation with the aim of using radio-stimulation as a real impact tool in the agroforestry sector.